Community Farm Alliance
Community Farm Alliance (CFA) was founded in 1985 with the goal of supporting Kentucky’s farmers and rural communities. CFA was initially formed in response to the rising pressures of the farm credit crisis. This agricultural recession was the result of record production highs, and led to a severe dip in the price of crops. Farmers had no choice but to struggle through ineffectivepolicy and unreliable credit systems in order to avoid total bankruptcy. In many cases, the weight of these situations became so overbearing that several farmers took their own lives. The founding members of CFA united to create a suicide hotline for those in need. CFA was originally created to provide Kentucky farmers with a supportive sense of community amidst the unjust tides of the current legislation. In many ways, they have stayed true to their original purpose to this day, as they bring justice and equity to the food and farming systems of Kentucky.
CFA approaches their work by creating a long-term, grassroots dialogue with the populations they’re involved with. After all, their goal is not just to build healthy food systems, but also, unifiedcommunities. CFA has made a major impact on the Kentucky landscape through their Farmers Market Support Program (FMSP). Through this initiative, CFA has been able to serve 59 (and counting) farmers markets across the state. The FMSP provides technical assistance, market manager cost-share opportunities, and education through webinars and blogs, all of which has proven crucial to the development of thriving farmers markets.
2019 Food Systems Development Practitioners Survey
2019 Food Systems Development Practitioners Survey
We welcome your participation in this Food Systems Development Practitioner survey!
COMPLETE THE SURVEY HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAFSN_201
Purpose and Survey Overview
This survey is sponsored by the North American Food Systems Network (NAFSN) and its National Partner organizations.
One of the big questions relating to food systems development is what are the challenges and training needs of current and prospective food system development practitioners? We believe that improved knowledge and skills of practitioners are likely to lead to more effective and efficient programs, and ultimately to more viable and sustainable food systems. This survey was conducted in 2012, and this new survey will provide trends in the professional development needs of food systems practitioners.
FEATURED TOOL: Fellowships for Food Systems Professionals
Funding opportunities for professionals wishing to expand their horizons.
Applied Community & Economic Development (ACED) Fellows Program, Illinois State University
The Applied Community & Economic Development (ACED) Fellows Program at Illinois State University's Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development is a two-year fellowship program leading to a master's degree in Applied Economics, Political Science, or Sociology, each with an interdisciplinary sequence in Applied Community/Economic Development. Fellows complete one calendar year of on-campus study. During their professional practice internships in their second year, fellows receive community and economic development field experience in urban and rural communities. The ACED Fellows Program includes full tuition waivers, plus stipends for the graduate assistantship and internship.
BOOK REVIEW: Good Food, Strong Communities
Strong book on building community through food Review
by Amy Crone, Maryland Farmers Market Association
A Review of Good Food, Strong Communities: Promoting Social Justice through Local and Regional Food Systems, edited by Steve Ventura and Martin Bailkey. (2017).
Published by University of Iowa Press. Available as paperback and ebook; 304 pages. Publisher’s website: https://www.uipress.uiowa.edu/books/ 9781609385439/good-food-strong-communities
Good Food, Strong Communities: Promoting Social Justice through Local and Regional Food Systems is a book borne out of the Community and Regional Food Systems (CRFS) project, which began in response to a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) request for proposals regarding food insecurity. Guided by Wisconsin-based academic institutions, the CRFS has program participants in seven cities (Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Boston; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Chicago; Detroit; and Los Angeles). While the book contains examples from all seven cities, it is primarily focused on efforts in the Midwest. I have participated in a number of such regional efforts, including food policy councils, and have both responded to and reviewed USDA proposals focused on food insecurity.
Read full book review HERE.
NEW JOB OPP! Executive Director, Berkeley Food Institute
Executive Director, Berkeley Food Institute (BFI)
In consultation with the Faculty Director(s) of the Berkeley Food Institute (BFI), the Executive Director (ED) is charged with the development, administration, and management of an inter-departmental research Institute located on the UC Berkeley campus; The Berkeley Food Institute is an exciting program that connects seven academic units: College of Natural Resources, Graduate School of Journalism, Goldman School of Public Policy, School of Public Health, College of Environmental Design, Haas School of Business, and Berkeley Law.
For more information, visit the NAFSN job listing HERE.
New Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems Major Announced at NC State University
Events and News From NAFSN's National Founding Partners
NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has a new major program. The new Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems is a cross-departmental program offered through the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences and Horticultural Science.
